HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8537.20 – Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts
HS code 8537.20 is the 6-digit subheading for boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases, for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts. It is used for high-voltage switchgear, medium-voltage motor control centers, substation control panels, power distribution units (for >1000V) and generator control panels.
What HS 8537.20 covers
This category encompasses robust and specialized boards, panels, consoles, desks, and other bases for electric control or the distribution of electricity, specifically designed for high-voltage systems exceeding 1000 volts. These critical components are indispensable for power generation plants, electrical substations, large industrial facilities, and national grid infrastructure, managing significant electrical loads. The trade in these goods is driven by substantial investments in energy infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and industrial expansion worldwide. Importers are typically utility companies, heavy industries, and large-scale engineering contractors, while exporters are specialized manufacturers with extensive expertise in high-voltage engineering. Key considerations include stringent safety standards, arc flash protection, and seamless integration with complex power management and grid control systems.
- Covers
- High-voltage switchgear
- Medium-voltage motor control centers
- Substation control panels
- Power distribution units (for >1000V)
- Generator control panels
- Industrial high-voltage control cabinets
- Grid synchronization panels
- Examples
- ABB UniGear ZS1
- Siemens NXPLUS C
- Eaton Magnum DS
- Schneider Electric Premset
- GE Grid Solutions switchgear
Codes often confused with 8537.20
Common mistake. Often confused with 853710 if the voltage rating is not carefully checked, or 8535 (apparatus for switching/protecting circuits >1000V) if the panel is primarily a switching device.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 853720, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 853720 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.6B 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.7B 15% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $547M 4.7% of world exports
World total: $11.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $640M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 China $476M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $10.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 8537.20 2
Brazil splits HS 8537.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8537.20.10 Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS/HIS), over 52 kVSubestações isoladas a gás (GIS - Gas-Insulated Switchgear ou HIS - Highly Integrated Switchgear), para uma tensão superior a 52 kV
- 8537.20.90 Other control boards and panels, over 1,000 VOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.37 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8537.20
What is HS code 853720?
HS code 853720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts. This category encompasses robust and specialized boards, panels, consoles, desks, and other bases for electric control or the distribution of electricity, specifically designed for high-voltage systems exceeding 1000 volts. These critical components are indispensable for power generation plants, electrical substations, large industrial facilities, and national grid infrastructure, managing significant electrical loads. The trade in these goods is driven by substantial investments in energy infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and industrial expansion worldwide. Importers are typically utility companies, heavy industries, and large-scale engineering contractors, while exporters are specialized manufacturers with extensive expertise in high-voltage engineering. Key considerations include stringent safety standards, arc flash protection, and seamless integration with complex power management and grid control systems.
What products fall under HS code 853720?
High-voltage switchgear, medium-voltage motor control centers, substation control panels, power distribution units (for >1000V), generator control panels, industrial high-voltage control cabinets, grid synchronization panels
What are common misclassifications for HS code 853720?
Often confused with 853710 if the voltage rating is not carefully checked, or 8535 (apparatus for switching/protecting circuits >1000V) if the panel is primarily a switching device.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 853720?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 853720 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.6B, 31% of world exports), Germany ($1.7B) and Türkiye ($547M). World exports came to about $11.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 853720?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 853720 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 13% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($640M) and China ($476M). World imports came to about $10.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 853720 structured?
HS code 853720 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (37) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 853720?
Brazil splits HS code 853720 into 2 NCM codes: 8537.20.10 (Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS/HIS), over 52 kV), 8537.20.90 (Other control boards and panels, over 1,000 V). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.